The Coral Triangle is a region nestled between the Philippines, Eastern Indonesia and the Solomon Islands. It represents the most diverse, yet understudied marine habitat on Earth. As such, it is the repository of an uncounted number of species, many of which are invaluable commercial and pharmaceutical assets. However, runaway population growth and unsustainable use of natural resources threaten the region. Urgent action is required to avoid the destruction of this global heritage and the source of natural wealth it represents.